'Life Passes the Needy By'

An old crone with no left arm and a begging cup in her right is passed by

passengers in a hurried blur at an exit in Kyiv, Ukraine as they rush to

connecting surface trains. Your ratings, critiques and observations are invited

and most welcome. If you rate harshly, very critically or wish to make a

remark, please submit a helpful and constructive comment. Please share

your photographic knowledge to help improve my photography. Thanks!

Enjoy! john.

The first time I see 'Maria' begging. She is like a sculpture, very special, John.  

Many times have I passed this entrance with various people there and tried to catch the crowd and this beggar or that 'just right' but this is the ONLY TIME I caught things just right (and the last) for I will attempt no more.

Notice how the crowd in its blur has 'broken' just right.

Olaf, thanks for the kind and intelligent critique.

john

John (Crosley)

Johnny, I like what you have done here, the motion of the traveler is well done, showing rapid movement when all the while the poor beggar stands there, still, motionless. The amber swish on the right adds to the movement of this piece, very nicely done.

I'm a prolific shooter, and I'm often tempted to shoot very simple scenes, but those don't do well on Photo.net though they appeal to me, so I often save them, maybe for a special (unratable) folder, some day, as I've done in the past.

In the meantime, there are about 100 to 200 recent captures that I have worked up that I feel are post worthy and might resonate with viewers as being among 'best' and worthy of competition here, and it's a struggle each time I upload to find something that will 'compete' and still meet my standards -- and my standards are far, far broader than those of raters.

From your critique, it's clear that you both understood this capture, which was unique and somewhat rare in its timing, and that it resonated with you, which is why it was chosen and posted, but so far it seems not to have resonated much with viewers . . . . though I count it among my best . . . and complex enough to show my skills.  I like it also, and it shows 'social conscience' -- though that is far from a necessity.  It's just that some shooters here have shown hundreds of photos and not one photo shows anything like a 'social conscience' . . . . but that's their prerogative.  

I try for 'attractive', worthy, skillful, and view-worthy, in one photo.  I hope your critique indicates for you I have achieved that goal.

'Social conscience photos only appear when context is worthy and indicated - they're not a necessity - but I recognize 'social commentary' and do not shy from it like I think some viewers.  Some viewers, for instance, are fearful of being 'exploitative' if they take a photo of someone unfortunate, but I try to incorporate that person's image when I take into a work of art, without fear of consequences of what others think.  I'm inured that way.  I shoot what I shoot, and others expect me to shoot 'my way'.  Those who would criticize long have learned I'm immune to such criticism and mostly have stopped.

Thanks for taking the time and effort to create an insightful critique to share with me and readers.

john

John (Crosley)

John, this is beautiful and hard to view at the same time. Indeed, life does pass the needy by. You have a way a putting humanity back into the stranger on the street who is in the position of begging. 

This photo puts harsh reality front and center, right where is it hard to ignore. And that's not comfortable to view or to comment on. This is a photo that makes me think about how we all fit into the world and what is our role, really? What is the best way to act or respond to some one else's misfortune? I don't know. I do know it's easier to pretend it doesn't exist than to contemplate; definitely easier than to act. The discomfort images like this bring probably account for the limited response; but it is a discomfort that has some value.

This is an effective, well-executed photo that is artfully presented and full of social commentary. I would expect there are others like myself that this has impacted but have trouble putting the precise impact into words.

Amy

You have analyzed not only this photo but its impact on the viewer so well and in a way that I expected, that I am so grateful.

Often I have much to add in colloquy with back stories, etc., but in this case, there is nothing I have to add except congratulations.

I advise others who review this photo, to read your critique, reflect, and compare.

Thanks for such a fine contribution -- one of many from you.

john

John (Crosley)